"There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats." - Albert Schweitzer

Monday, April 02, 2007

Following the dogwood trail

Husband and I spent a pleasant afternoon doing a little shopping, eating lunch out, and following the dogwood trail in Paducah, Kentucky. The weather has been so funny lately -- actually too warm for the season -- that the dogwoods bloomed too early. The dogwood festival is scheduled for the end of April, but the trees are in full bloom now. So, we decided to take advantage and drive the trail now rather than later.

The driving trail begins at the courthouse in the downtown area. Dogwood trail signs are posted along the route and all you have to do is follow the signs and the arrows. The first part of the trail took us through the Lowertown section of town. This is an artist enclave and all the old Victorians are slowly but surely being reclaimed, renovated, beautified, and loved. The result is awesome.

Baby giraffe, outside artist's studio

Mama giraffe, looking in the window

Driving the dogwood trail was an awesome way to spend an afternoon. There were so many beautiful yards to see and a lot of folks were out getting ready for the festival. Their dogwood trees are lighted so those who drive the trail at dusk or after dark can see them highlighted. They were really beautiful to behold.

Redbud tree in our yard

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the pictures I took during our drive. It's just too bad that these beautiful trees don't keep their blooms all summer long.

I just love springtime. Now it's time to get our fishing licenses and go catch some nice fish. That's how I really love to spend a day out on the lake.

10 Comments:

The dogwoods are blooming here, too, a welcome sign of spring. I think the redbud tree in your yard is awesome! Maybe you should start your own tour route. Enjoy the warm weather - it is fixin' to end, the weatherman said frost warning in a couple of days and 'dogwood winter' would be here through the Easter weekend.

Loved taking the dogwood trail tour with you and yes the dogwoods & redbuds are blooming way too early this year...But they are very pretty.Everything is all in bloom here too and I love it just as long as we don't go back and get anymore frosts or freezes.Spring is like a rebirth and I love it.

What a lovely way to spend a spring day. No dogwoods here, but they look lovely!The red bud tree is gorgeous too!My grandma used to love to fish and we all had to learn how to bait a hook, cast and take the fish off the hook. I haven't fished in over thirty years! Hope you have fun..xoxo

I know your pics don't really do them justice, cause the dogwoods are blooming already here too. At first I got confused, thinking it was too early....wondering what kind of blooming trees those were. But then, it is very difficult to mistake the shape of the flowers. They are soo pretty. I am glad you had a good time. The white and pink ones are blooming here like crazy, and my redbud has bloomed and is done :(. The blooms didn't last very long. I am unsure if my irises will bloom this year either....I saw one blooming at the side of the house either (though I keep thinking it is too early for those too). My lily of the valleys near my shed are so pretty, and the rose bush near the back fence actually has buds on it!

Anyway, miss you guys, looking forward to seeing you next weekend....love you

Oh I do love dogwoods...did you know that is our provincial flower...I very much enjoyed joining you on your little drive...it's beautiful and fresh looking...oh thank you for sharing ....what a lovely way to end my day!

Thanks so much for this glimpse of the dogwood trail. What a pretty neighborhood. It's lovely to see spring bursting forth, while we are experiencing snow on this Good Friday morning. Your photos are beautiful. So cheery and bright! I absolutely love your beautiful redbud tree.We planted 2 dogwoods last spring but neither one grew. They'll be replaced this spring and we'll hope for better luck. Happy spring Motherkitty! xoxox